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They are exciting times and it's great the Kid's are involved. If you have any other questions just ask, if not it would be great if you drop in one day and let us know how your trip went and share the highlights, even photo's. We have a 'Field reports' section for that very purpose and it helps us get through the days we are not on the road ourselves.
Holy Jesus, 7 kids on a roadtrip?! You're a stronger man than I. As for California, PCH is beautiful but it will take you much, much longer than 101 or 5 if you're going anywhere inland at all.
MoReservations,
Thanks!
Yes, well - I don't know if I am stronger - that remains to be seen. But I'm probably crazier to attempt it!
PCH -- we'd like to start in San Francisco and see as much as possible.
At the southern end -- the teens want to see Hollywood and they all want to go to Disney.
I am not 100% sure we will do Disney and am not thrilled about Hollywood. Right now, they are on the itinerary, but may get cut if we are low on time.
We will meet and stay with friends in Redlands for sure.
What is the minimum travel days coming down the coast -- with stops for site seeing -- maybe the aquarium, Hearst Castle, the seals, at least one beach stop.
At what point is it worth it to cut inland to save some time? San Luis Obispo?
We don't have time to see and do everything.
If there are any points we could be more efficient with our drive time - I'd love suggestions.
Thanks!
You would need at least one overnight stop along the coast, San Simeon for Hearst castle could work, although 2 nights would be more relaxed if you want to spend time in Monterey, the beach and do a Hearst castle tour. Yes, cutting inland from Cambria/Morro bay if you decide not to go into LA would work. If you mean to go into LA you could take 101/154 from SLO to Ventura and then pick up CA1 through Malibu beach etc. You could check out the little town of Solvang.
Disney for 9 people is going to be expensive unless you have a finger on some discount (I.e. You are military or military retired).
Hollywood, OTOH, can be a bargain if you stick to certain places: the Hollywood Walk of Fame (free), The Chinese theatre, the Hollywood sign (free). You could also do Venice Beach, Westward Beach, as those have been used for filming many movies over the years.
One word of caution: the Walk of Fame (with all the Stars' names) district is somewhat seedy. If you have teenaged girls, they should dress conservatively. Years ago my teen daughter and I went walking down in that area, and I know it wasn't me that men were whistling at!
Parking in the Walk of Fame area is all the cost involved....between $5 and $15 for the day, depending on the lot you choose and its location.
Donna
Thank you Dave and Donna,
These are some great practical tips.
I have added Solvang to the list. It definitely looks like something different!
I'm really not excited about Disney. It will definitely be expensive. We are not big "pop culture" people so Disney and Hollywood would not be a typical sort of vacation for us. However, I have 5 little boys that we recently adopted and they love, love, love Disney. I know it would be memorable and since we would be so close, it may be a good time to do it. As of now, we are leaving it open ended -- depending on time and budget as we approach that leg of the trip. AAA offers discounts, but only a few dollars off a ticket. It will save a few bucks, but won't change the overall impact on the budget
I think Hollywood would be a short stop. The older kids think it would be fun, but it is not a must see for them either.
Thanks again for the info and suggestions!
Anyone whose generosity goes so far as to adopt five little boys into their family, deserves to get Disney tickets for free. That contribution to the peace of the world is much greater than that of any military or ex military.
Lifey
Thank you for the kind words Lifey.
The boys bring us a lot of joy. We are privileged that they are sharing their lives with us.
They are always up for an adventure. They really want me to take them to China to see the Great Wall. I told them - not this year - but we'll do something else spectacular. So- this trip is it!
They are all survivors and some have mild special needs --- it is a pleasure to take them to new places and share experiences that they may have never had if we had not found our way to each other.
As far as Disney goes, I take a vote every day. I am outvoted everyday -- 7-1 -- we are going to Disney.
They are also excited about the NPs --- mountains, rivers, canyons and more. They got their NP passports and hope to do some Jr. Ranger programs when we have time. They are packing their binoculars, flashlights and picture journals to see and record everything.
I'm sure this trip will be "the best of times and the worst of times" all at once. But - I'm glad we can share the journey together.
Great to read that this issue is being voted on. The basis of democracy!
I know what you are saying. Half a century after we adopted him, my son still is a great source of love and joy, and support to me.
You have my eternal admiration. God Bless You.
Lifey
I can't help but wonder if contacting Disney with your wonderful story might get you a bit of the VIP treatment during your visit and maybe some tickets. I think they would be well deserved.
I really hope you will drop by and share your amazing adventure with us when it's convenient. We have a Roadtrip field reports section especially for that.